Training Practices for Surface Warfare Junior Officers
Abstract
This research identifies factors related to the effectiveness of Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) junior officer (JO) training. Focus groups conducted onboard 15 ships and at Afloat Training Groups (ATGs) show numerous problems with on-the-job training that frustrate the JOs and concern the senior officers and senior enlisted on board the ships. However, good training practices were found on several ships that should be shared widely. Data also provide input useful for the redesign of the introductory course conducted at the ATGs. Analyses of test scores from the Advanced Ship handling and Tactics (ASAT) are used to develop predictive models of junior officers who may require special attention and/or resources to meet expected goals of qualification and exam tests prior to consideration of their warfare qualification board. These models provide estimates of the impact of factors that raise the likelihood of failing ASAT test scores, including: racial minority and female status, graduation from less selective colleges and non-technical majors, as well as various homeport and ship type assignments along with newly commissioned ensigns not given specific DIVO responsibilities on their first ships. The range of predicted failure rates in these models is extensive. Recommendations for changes to JO training are presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA556709
Entities
People
- Alice M. Crawford
- William D. Hatch
- William R. Bowman
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School